Consumers Energy sought to ease fears Wednesday morning after hundreds of western Wayne County residents reported what they believed could be a natural gas leak.

Company spokeswoman Debra Dodd said an investigation indicated too much of a chemical additive, mercaptan, apparently was added to one of the natural gas company's stations on Napier Road. It creates the odor of rotten eggs so that people can detect natural gas, which is odorless.

Plymouth City Manager Paul Sincock said the city received so many calls that an extension was set up on the city's phone system to transfer calls to Consumers Energy.

"We're getting deluged with calls," he said Wednesday morning.

Steve Ott, fire chief of the Northville City Fire Department, which also serves Plymouth, also said numerous residents called amid concerns of a possible gas leak. He said it appears there is no danger.

"We are responding to people's calls and confirming that the structures are safe," he said.

Dodd said it could take some time for the odor to dissipate. Meanwhile, anyone who ever suspects they may have a natural gas leak should call 800-477-5050.

"If people are still concerned and they are smelling gas, they can still call," she said.

Dodd said Consumers Energy was responding to calls as quickly as possible.